Vera Upham was born 10 November 1893 (NSW BDM 16052/1893) to Henry William Upham and Jane nee Jackson in Gulgong.
Vera married James Henry ("Harry") STAHL in Gulgong on 7 April 1920 (NSW BDM 5942/1920). Their children included:
- Douglas Henry Stahl - born 5 November 1922 (NSW BDM 42534/1922).
- June Stahl - born 9 November 1927 (NSW BDM n/a)
NEWS ITEMS
1938 - LATE MRS. STAHL - Council's Sympathy
1938 - Mrs. J. H. Stahl
THE sad death occurred during the week-end of Mrs Stahl, wife of Mr J. H. Stahl, deputy-mayor of Gulgong. Deceased was a very popular lady and a splendid worker for all charitable movements. Her sudden demise in the prime of life as the result of pneumonia, cast quite a gloom over the old mining town. The funeral yesterday was one of the largest ever seen in Gulgong. To the bereaved we extend our deepest sympathy.
1938 - Shocked And Saddened Community - DEATH OF MRS. VERA JANE STAHL - Citizens Suffer Loss of Very Dear Friend - POPULAR LADY : WONDERFUL TRIBUTES
THE heartfelt sympathy of the whole community goes out to Ald. J. H. Stahl, deputy-mayor, of Gulgong, and storekeeper, of Herbert street, Gulgong, whose wife, Mrs Vera Jane Stahl, passed away in a private hospital in Gulgong on Saturday afternoon last, aged 44 years. Her passing shocked and saddened everyone, for deceased was a deservedly popular lady and a splendid worker for all charity movements. Scores of people have lost a very dear friend. A particularly fine tribute was the wealth of floral tributes and the attendance at the last sad rites at the graveside, the funeral being one of the largest — if not the largest—in the history of Gulgong.
The late Mrs Stahl was a native of Gulgong, a town she loved. She attended school here, where she was a great favorite amongst other pupils.
Her manner was bright and cheery;her nature sweet and lovable.Laugh, little girl, laugh and sing,And coax the joy from everything;Take gladness at its fullest worth.And make each hour an hour of mirth.So that when on the downward slopeOf life, the radiant sky of hopeWill bend above you all the way,And make you happy as to-day.
That was Vera Jane Stahl at school in Gulgong.
Later, she joined the staff of Loneragan's, some time afterwards becoming manageress of the crockery and stationery departments. Of a pleasing personality, she became a great asset to the firm, to whom she was wonderfully loyal and for whom she worked in a capable and charming manner. Possessing the right disposition for business, she became very popular with the firm's many customers.
Adored by her parents, the late Mr and Mrs W. H. Upham, who had an honorable association with the town, she was welcome wherever she went. Her interests in her younger days included music. Having been taught the piano, she qualified for the cap and gown, but the honor was not bestowed on her.
All through the years she has given of her best in music. Her voice has been heard on innumerable occasions in Gulgong and district. At church, in the home of her parents, in her own home, in scores of other homes, at social functions for various causes, on the public platform her voice has been heard with advantage and with benefit. It was not by any means a small effort for her to take part in affairs musical, but the cause was the thing — it always came first.
Mrs Stahl had a kind and gentle disposition. Her manner was charming. Always bright and cheerful, she was a wonderful inspiration to every member of the community, which is not unmindful and grateful for all she has done for the town.
She was deeply interested in the welfare of numerous institutions and organisations, particularly St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, of which she was a very valued member. She had been a Sunday school
teacher, after having been a regular attendant herself as a pupil.
She was a member of the choir, had played the organ and sang solos in the church here as well as at country centres. Other services were also given to the church in decorating it with flowers, in assisting to raise funds, in collecting, to mention just a few.
A consistent worker for each and every worthy came, deceased made great sacrifices from time to time. Although she took a deep and abiding interest in her home, her husband and her son (Doug.), and daughter (June), her help was always available in public movements. It would be difficult to say exactly where it commenced and ended. In some organisations there are those who are prepared to let a few others do all the work; Mrs Stahl was amongst the latter.
A foundation member and an ex-president of the Gulgong branch of the Country Women's Association,to which she was a tower of strength, Mrs Stahl was one of the advisers to the C.W.A. Younger Set; was treasurer of the Red Cross Society; a vice-president of the P. and C. Association; a member of the Home League of the Salvation Army, an organisation which she enthusiastically supported; a keen worker for the Gulgong District Hospital and the Gulgong Show Society. Besides being a good competitor at the annual show she would act as steward; her brightness and courteousness whilst acting in the latter position was a feature of her work. There were her appreciated efforts during the Great War.
No one was more highly esteemed than the late Mrs Stahl, who had a good word for everyone. No harsh or unkind words, no cutting remarks fell from her lips. She lived the life of a Christian woman. There would never be any wars in the world if all people had the beautiful disposition, character and lady-like qualities the late Mrs Stahl had. Gulgong will never forget Mrs Stahl, who had a heart of gold. She was one who would never do anyone a bad turn, but who never hesitated in doing a good one, although that fact was not broadcast as far as she was concerned. None will ever know all that Mrs Stahl did for the destitute. No wonder she was so greatly beloved. She took a delight in being kind and considerate to children. Her reward was the joy she gave them and she wanted nothing better. Though a noble woman has gone to her reward, the influence of her fine example will live on. A better friend in every sense of the word would be almost impossible to find anywhere. All sections treasured her friendship. The goodness which she graciously showered on people by kindly attention in times of trouble and sickness will never be forgotten by them.
As a wife and mother, she was always kindly and loving to a degree, and the loss to the hearts of her loved ones will be great. But the knowledge that she had led such an exemplary life must be an inspiration to them, as it is to all, to carry on as she would have done —kindly and bravely.
She will not be forgotten.As Longfellow wrote:There is no death! What seems so is transition.This life of mortal breathIs but a suburb of the life elysian,Whose portal we call Death!We will be patient, and assuage that feeling,We may not wholly stay,By silence sanctifying, not concealingThe grief that must have way.
The late Mrs Stahl took a great pride in her home which she had so daintily furnished. She was admitted to Sister Betts' private hospital on Sunday week with pleurisy; pneumonia supervened, causing her death early on Saturday afternoon last.
August 21 is the day on which for many years past a combined commemoration service has been held for the late Mrs W. H. Upham (deceased's mother) and Miss May Douglas and deceased had always taken a prominent part in collecting bunches of violets for decorating the church. It was known as Violet Day. Before entering the hospital she had made arrangements for some violets to be made available for the day. They were there last Sunday, but how the scene was changed.
The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon to the Presbyterian portion of the local cemetery, the Rev. W. L. I. Arnold officiating. The arrangements were carried out by Mr R. S. Bayliss. The sadness of the event and the wealth of floral tributes brought tears to many an eye. The pall-bearers were: Dr. L. Tunley, Messrs G. U. Hiddleston, D. Cameron and W. Lockerby (members of the committee of management of the church).
LOVED HER CHURCH
A beautiful service was conducted by the Minister of the Presbyterian charge (Rev. W. L. I. Arnold) prior to the cortege leaving for the Presbyterian portion of the Gulgong cemetery. The Rev. Mr Arnold, in his remarks, said:
"To-day we have lost a very dear friend, one who never let us down when we needed her services. She loved her church and used her beautiful voice for the glory of God. Our lips fail to give adequate expression to our innermost thoughts at such a time as this. A few weeks ago I lost my dearest friend, my mother, and I can quite understand the feelings of the dear bereaved ones of the late Vera Stahl. Everything was done to bring about her recovery. Doctor and nurses exercised untiring efforts, and too much cannot be said in their praise. Sister Betts was an intimate friend, which fact meant much to her patient. 'Let us not sorrow as those without hope,' said Paul. We meet here as Christian people who entertain a great and glorious hope that we shall all obtain eternal life through our Lord, Jesus Christ. Hence, we who believe in Christ may be separated in body but not in spirit. Our spirits blend with the spirits of our loved ones around the throne of grace. There can never be a separation in Christ."I deemed it a sacred privilege to be with the late Mrs Stahl at the time of her death. Only a few hours before her passing I had asked the deceased did she know in whom she could place her trust. She gave me a most decided answer. Therefore, I know that she has gone to be with Christ and has joined the white-robed throng, where there is no more sorrow or death. We are told in the sacred volume that it was expedient for Christ to go away. He was only thirty-three years of age when He was crucified, and it seemed hard to lose a dear friend and companion just when He was, as it seemed, on the threshold of the accomplishment of great things. There are many things that we will not understand in this life, and sometimes we may even question God's love. Did not the departure of Jesus mean the salvation of the world? Did not twelve faithful souls take His placc and carry the Gospel into many lands? And who can tell but that it may have been expedient for our friend to leave us that many may take her place and expand the good work that she did among us, and that as a result a wider circle may embrace eternal verities which will never be broken in this life or in the life to come. If the taking of a loved one means eternal union and fellowship with that one. we can submit to the will of our Heavenly Father knowing that 'all things work together for good to them that love God.'"As a young man I attended a Bible class which was conducted by one who was a beautiful Christian character. He loved his church and did what he could for his fellow men. At the age of 44 years he passed away. It seemed hard that such a good man should be taken away in the prime of life, and some of his friends questioned God's love. A few weeks afterwards an 'In Memoriam' service was held, which proved to be one of the most soul-stirring services I have had the privilege of attending. At the close of that service thirty young men dedicated their lives to God, and solemnly promised to take the place of their beloved leader. I was one of those young men. Now I realise that it was expedient for our leader to go away in order that the eternal circle might be enlarged."These beautiful wreaths and flowers and the large congregation of friends inside and outside this church is a wonderful tribute of love and esteem. What better eulogy could be made of anyone than to hear it said, 'Behold how she loved us'? In the shortest, and yet, the sweetest, verse in the Bible we are told that 'Jesus wept.' This was the expression of our Lord's real manhood— a heart full of love and sympathy going out to those in great sorrow. Even to-day all Christian people are experiencing, under similar circumstances, His wonderful love and comfort, and in many cases were it not for this our burdened hearts would break. Truly we can say, 'What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear.'"I earnestly plead with you this afternoon to be prepared to meet your Maker, for death comes to us all, and when the roll is called up yonder, may you be able to say 'I'll be there.' Jesus, on the night when he made known the nearness of the time for His departure, and observing the grief that lay heavily upon the hearts of His disciples, said, 'Let not your hearts be troubled. Ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.' These words were a source of great comfort to the disciples, and they still bring comfort to many sorrowing souls to-day."We extend to the bereaved ones this afternoon our love and heart felt sympathy, and pray that the God of all comfort may place around them His loving and everlasting arms and bear them up on the wings of faith."
The following brothers and sisters survive: Messrs T. H. Upham, H. W. Upham (Gulgong), Mesdames J. H. Gudgeon (Gulgong), W. H. Upham (Camperdown), H. Selig, nee Miss Lyle Upham (Stanmore) and Miss Doris Upham (Manly). To the bereaved we extend our deepest sympathy.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
A memorial service is to be conducted in St. Andrew's Church on Sunday evening next.
FLORAL, TRIBUTES
Floral tributes were sent by:—
Mr and Mrs W. G. Farthing and family, Mr and Mrs Robert Bowman, Mr and Mrs. S. G. Black, Mr and Mrs H. V. Croft and Jack, Mr and Mrs Fred, Honeysett, Mrs Curry and Lila, Mr and Mrs W. A. Saunderst Mr and Mrs B. Edwards, Mr and Mrs L. Norris, Mr and Mrs J. P. English and family, the Wilde and May families, Mr and Mrs H. Beattie and family, Mr and Mrs D. D. McPherson and family, Mr and Mrs J. C. Williams and family, Mr and Mrs Watt, Mrs E. J. Watt and families, Mr and Mrs Niven, Gwen and Jean, Mr and Mrs O. L. Milling, Sister L. Betts, Mel and Ted Foster, Win Naughton, Mrs Sloman and Mrs J. Gudgeon, snr., Mr and Mrs Frank Tomlinson and family, Mr and Mrs W. Lett and family, J. Nicholas and family, Mr and Mrs R. Huxley, Mr and Mrs F. Ryan, Mr and Mrs R. S. Bayliss, Mr and Mrs H. A. Chick, B. Snelson, Mr and Mrs J. Tapp, Mr and Mrs W. S. Wallis and family, Norman and Grace Chick, the Snelson families, Mrs Woods, Mrs Glover and Lorna, Mr and Mrs Lugsden and family, Mr and Mrs B. Sweeney and family, Mr and Mrs W. Foster, Mr and Mrs D. H. Dougan, Mr and Mrs McPherson, Dr. and Mrs R. M. Allport, Mr & Mrs J. Riddle, Mr & Mrs W. D.
Hooper and family, Mr and Mrs F. Menchin and family, Mr and Mrs G. Williams, Dewar family, Mr and Mrs C. Dodds and Mavis, Mr and Mrs J. Comer and family, Mr and Mrs McGuire, Mr and Mrs Albert Copper and family, Frances Jones, Mr and Mrs A. Ryan, Mrs Ryan and Eileen, Mrs M. A. C. Spears, Mrs Dunn and Wes., Mr and Mrs T. Amies and Mary, Mr and Mrs S. V. Coleman and family, Mr and Mrs H. E. Taylor and family, Mr and Mrs R. Nichols and family, Mr and Mrs T. Edmunds and Millie, F. and Mercy Tomlinson, David Whale and family, Jack Gardiner and sisters, Mr and Mrs W. Smith, Mr and Mrs R. J. Campbell and family, Miss Walls, Mr and Mrs Bartimote, Bob and Gladys Campbell, Mrs E. Kable Mrs R. Brooks, Mr and Mrs Curry, and Lila, J. J., Dowd and family, Mr and Mrs Walter Cross, Hilda and Lorna, Mr and Mrs G. Callan and family, John and the Misses Tuxford, Mr and Mrs McKeown and Jack, Ray and Annie Roth and family, Mr and Mrs A. Adams and family, Mr and Mrs Newberry and Ray, Miss E. Buckley, Mr and Mrs Bailey, Mr and Mrs W. Davies, Mr and Mrs O'Neil and Miss Cunningham, Mr and Mrs C. F. A. Davis and family, Mr and Mrs W. J. T. Gudgeon and family, Mr and Mrs Pat Lund, Mrs Davis and family, Mr and Mrs Reg. Croft and family, Mr and Mrs A. Lund, Mr and Mrs F. W. Heard and family, Mr and Mrs J. Rindfleish, Mr and Mrs P. Huxley and family, Mr and Mrs J. Evans and family, Beryl, Mrs E. Ross and family, Bob Gudgeon, Mr and Mrs R. Gorrie and family, Mr and Mrs W. J. Bennett and family, Mr and Mrs Geo. Hoult, Freda and Yvonne, Mr J. Lyons, Mrs Wade Gudgeon, Ethel and Vi, Telephone Exchange staff, the Salvation Army Band, Council of the Municipality of Gulgong, the employees of J. H. Stahl and Co., Junior Red Cross, Gulgong branch, the Presbyterian Ladies' Guild, Gulgong, members S.A. Home League, Gulgong Golf Club, Red Cross Society, Congregation Presbyterian Church, Dunedoo, the directors and staff Jas. Loneragan Gulgong Pty. Ltd., Lodge Wyaldra, C.W.A. Younger Set, Country Women's Association officers, Scouts and Cubs of 1st Gulgong Troop of Boy Scouts; girls and boys of the Gulgong Public School; the Gulgong Presbyterian Charge, Uncle George and Auntie Jean and family, Val, Cecil and children, mother, dad and Ena, Tom, Eunice, Marjorie, Bruce and Mrs Brown, Pat and Roy, Bill and Doris, Hilda, Jimmy, Ella and Peter, Nell, Jack and John, Auntie Lillie and family.
MEETING POSTPONED
Owing to Mrs Stahl's death, the fortnightly meeting of the Gulgong Town Council will not take place to-night (Wednesday). On Monday the council chambers were closed and no council work was done.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 25 Aug 1938 Page 12
THE mayor (Ald. A. E. Souter), at last meeting of the Gulgong Municipal Council) in moving a motion of sympathy with Ald. J. H.Stahl (deputy mayor), referred to the serious loss sustained since previous meeting by the death of Mrs. Stahl. He stated that the previous meeting had been postponed owing to her death.
He added that everyone fully recognised the late Mrs. Stahl's good work for the town. Ald. A. Baldwin said that he would like very sincerely to second the motion. The death of Mrs. Stahl had come as a dreadful shock to the community. Ald. Stahl had lost a good woman, who was esteemd by the whole of the residents of the town and district.
Aldermen J. P. English, T. Amies, L. Watt, and the clerk (Mr. I. C. Gilbert) and the inspector (Mr. E. J. Gudgeon) supported the motion, which was carried by those present standing in silence.
